Gary Klein and David Wharton, Los Angeles Times: University president Steven Sample, athletic director Mike Garrett, former coach Pete Carroll and running backs coach Todd McNair were among the members of a USC contingent appearing before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions. Missing was Reggie Bush, who was in Vancouver to attend the Winter Olympics. Carroll and McNair spent much of the afternoon portion of the hearing fielding questions about allegations related to Bush, according to sources who requested anonymity.
Lance Williams, California Watch: Amid a fiscal crisis that has the University of California facing a $150 million budget deficit because of cuts in state aid, the school is committing $320 million to renovate aging Memorial Stadium. Thanks to Ben Maller.
Scott Carter, Tampa Tribune: If you have $1.6 million and need a place to live, former South Florida coach Jim Leavitt's house is on the market.
Kevin Gorman, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: It's considered a no-brainer that Pittsburgh should accept if invited to join the Big Ten because of the financial stability it could provide, but there's as much a gamble in leaving the Big East as there is in staying.
Rick Nauert, Psych Central: New research finds that members of a group or team will work harder when they're competing against a group with lower status than when pitted against a more highly ranked group. Thanks to Get The Picture.
Jim Schaefer, Detroit Free Press: A lawsuit filed by a Michigan alumnus accuses the Board of Regents of violating the state Open Meetings Act, which puts restrictions on how and why such public bodies can meet in private. The Regents met Feb. 3 to discuss the NCAA probe into the football program.
Charles Goldberg, Birmingham News: Gene Chizik and his Auburn assistants are getting raises. Offensive coordinator Guz Malzahn is getting a 43% hike that will bring his annual salary to $500,000.
Chase Goodbread, Tuscaloosa News: Alabama defensive back Robby Green has been suspended for a violation of team rules and is not expected to participate in spring practice. It is unclear when the junior from New Orleans might be reinstated, but sources indicated the suspension may extend beyond spring drills.
Doug Roberson, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Georgia Tech quarterback Josh Nesbitt will miss spring practice because of surgery on his right ankle.
Phil Steele: Breaking down the teams with the most returning starters.
Ferd Lewis, Honolulu Advertiser: Without assistance, it will take "two to four years" for the University of Hawaii athletic department to end its reliance on deficit spending, athletic director Jim Donovan said.
Jeff Lockridge, Tennessean: Rajaan Bennett, the highest-rated signee in Vanderbilt's signing class, was killed early Thursday by his mother's ex-boyfriend in an apparent murder-suicide at the family's home in Powder Springs, Ga. Video of an emotional Bobby Johnson's reaction.
Jack Moran, Eugene Register-Guard: Oregon running back LaMichael James was released from jail, 36 hours after his arrest on domestic violence charges.
Eric Lacy, Detroit News: Former Michigan State running back Glenn Winston pled guilty to charges of misdemeanor assault and conspiracy to assault in connection with a Nov. 22 on-campus fight. A conspiracy to assault conviction carries a maximum penalty of one year in a jail and a $1,000 fine. A misdemeanor assault conviction can result in 93 days in jail and a $500 fine. He will be sentenced on March 22.
Onion Sports Network: A look at the top prep stars who will soon make an impact on the college football scene.
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